MANUAL THERAPY APPLIED TO THE SPINE
Knowledge about anatomy, biomechanics and exercise physiology is needed.
he exam includes a written exam with 15 closed-ended questions regarding the topics covered during the course. The estimated time for the exam is 30 minutes.
The course aims at acquiring knowledge, skills and competences with respect to cervical, dorsal and lumbar spine neuromuscular problems
Upon completion of the course, the student will be able to:
• Demonstrate a critical understanding of the manual therapy applied to the spine based on an evidence-based approach
• Integrate the knowledge of anatomy, biomechanics and physiology with clinical practice
• Perform a physical examination taking into consideration the contributing factors and establish a diagnosis through a clinical reasoning for patients with spinal pain
• Develop a diagnosis-specific treatment program, instructing the patient and modifying the life activities which contribute to the lumbar, dorsal and cervical spine impairment syndromes
• Learn the main manual therapy techniques based on evidence-based practice (Mulligan, Kalterborn and Maitland)
• Understand the concept of neurodynamics and perform standard neurodynamic tests
• History of manual therapy applied to the spine based on an evidence-based approach
• Concepts of anatomy and biomechanics of the cervical-dorsal and lumbar spine.
• Physical examination of the cervical, dorsal and lumbar spine according to an evidence- based medicine approach.
Alignment and spinal movements examination. Muscle length assessment, manual muscle testing, movement patterns examination.
• Clinical reasoning and implementation of a therapeutic program
• Presentation of the main Manual therapy techniques
¬ Mulligan (principles and NAG and SNAG techniques)
¬ Kalterborn (principles and techniques)
¬ Maitland (principles, subjective examination, physical examination, movement diagram, evaluation and treatment techniques)
● Neurodynamics concept:
¬ Main mechanisms of the nervous system function
¬ How the nerves move
Main tests (SLUMP, UPPER LIMB TENSION TEST, ULNAR NEURODYNAMIC TEST, MEDIAN NEURODYNAMIC TEST, RADIAL NEURODYNAMIC TEST, STRAIGHT LEG RAISE, TIBIAL E PERONEAL AND SURAL NEURODYNAMIC TEST, PRONE KNEE BEND TEST, SAPHENOUS TEST)
The course is divided into frontal lectures using PowerPoint presentations and laboratory activities. Small groups will be held to practice the demonstrations carried out by the teacher regarding assessment tests and treatment techniques. In addition, students divided into small groups are required to complete an evaluation form that must be delivered to the teacher, to highlight the clinical reasoning that allowed the formulation of a physiotherapy diagnosis and an appropriate rehabilitation treatment for a patient with low back pain.